Channing Tatum stars in ‘Roofman’ movie premiere in Charlotte
A local crime story that captivated Charlotte residents is now being brought to the big screen in a film titled “Roofman,” starring Channing Tatum. The movie sheds light on the strange and daring escapades of Jeffrey Manchester, known as the “Roofman,” who infamously broke into various establishments after entering through their rooftops. One of Manchester’s boldest capers involved seeking refuge inside a Toys “R” Us store on East Independence Boulevard and evading authorities until his eventual capture by detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
The film, which was entirely shot in Charlotte, is set to debut at the Carolina Theatre in Uptown. The city of Charlotte had previously followed this bizarre crime saga around 21 years ago while Channel 9 diligently documented the twists and turns of Manchester’s criminal activities.
Manchester had a unique modus operandi, robbing an estimated 60 McDonald’s and other businesses by breaking into their premises through the roof. Despite his unlawful actions, he was described as a considerate thief who would offer jackets to individuals he restrained in freezers before carrying out his thefts. Following his arrest in Gaston County, Manchester was sentenced to a lengthy prison stay. However, he managed to stage a daring escape by latching onto the underside of a truck departing from the Brown Creek Correctional Institution.
Retired CMPD Sgt. Katherine Scheimreif played a crucial role in apprehending Manchester. Recalling the incident, she recounted the harrowing robbery that took place at a former Toys “R” Us location, where a sheriff’s deputy was held captive at gunpoint by Manchester. Detectives, led by Scheimreif, uncovered Manchester’s hiding spot due to a vital clue that he carelessly left behind. His attempt to mislead officers by tripping the back door alarm ultimately backfired, alerting the police to his continued presence inside the toy store.
Further investigation led authorities to discover a hidden trap door used by Manchester to access a makeshift living space within an adjacent Circuit City store. Here, Manchester had been living for months, sustained by a diet of baby food and snacks. Scheimreif detailed the meticulous detective work that ultimately led them to apprehend Manchester, revealing his fingerprints and personal connections that gave away his whereabouts.
Through a series of strategic maneuvers, including enlisting the aid of Manchester’s oblivious girlfriend, law enforcement successfully captured Manchester at his girlfriend’s apartment. The climactic moment of his arrest involved a brief detour to a grocery store, where Manchester purchased flowers for his girlfriend before SWAT officers pounced on him. With this apprehension, Manchester faced another lengthy prison term, following a criminal saga that has now been adapted for the silver screen.
The upcoming release of “Roofman” promises an exploration of this captivating crime story, providing audiences with a glimpse into the audacious exploits of the notorious “Roofman.” Despite the serious nature of the events, Scheimreif believes that the film offers a sense of lighthearted adventure and entertainment, making it a welcome diversion from the challenges of the present day. Meanwhile, Manchester continues to serve his sentence at Central Prison in Raleigh, as the world eagerly awaits the theatrical debut of “Roofman” on October 10.